1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph. The stasis of the play occurs in the decade of the 80s, during the AIDS outbreak and epidemic. The setting of the scene occurs in New York City, and the crux of the play revolves around a group of gay men amidst the outbreak, as they are all affected by the disease. THe main character is Ned Weeks, who along with his boyfriend Felix, are impacted by the disease.
2. What is the intrusion? I would say that the intrusion of the play is the reveal that Felix is infected with the virus. It further propels Ned as an impetus for his involvement in the movement.
3. What is the unique factor? The unique factor is that this is the day that Ned tells his story to the audience, of his battle with the disease as it has indirectly killed him emotionally through the death of his friends, lover, etc.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play? Will this epidemic be acknowledged by the government? Is Felix going to live?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it. Information everyone knows: Bruce is gay and will not come out, societal reasons play a factor as he sees the maltreatment and the blind eye turned to the issues that plague the gay community. Information that is later revealed: Felix has the virus that is plaguing the community
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be. I would say that the most dramatic part of the play would be the death of Felix. The fact that he had the virus was unbeknownst to the audience, and the reveal is shocking. Moreover, his presence was to Ned a morale lift and an impetus to keep fighting, his death will not only be emotionally, but mentally and physically deleterious to Ned. Ned and Felix were failed by their government, as well as the healthcare system. His death proved that failure.
7. List some of the themes of the play. Love, Denial, Ethics, Duty, Sexuality
8. What does Ned want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of his getting what he wants? Ned is experiencing a situation that is very much so me against society. Society is what precludes him from living a normal life, with a partner and friends. The stigma that surrounds Ned due to his sexuality is an unfortunate thread woven in the fabric of this play, and is cause for governmental issues like the governor not acknowledging the epidemic of the virus in community of his constituents.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play. An image that in my opinion was predominant throughout the play was the cancer spots. Because it was such a visible indication of sexuality, and garnered such a stigma due to its unsightliness as well as sexual implications, it became a sort of scarlet letter. The title of the play is The Normal Heart. I believe that the title helps us in understanding the play in that it showcases the humanity of the gay protagonists, although their society may not feel that they are due to their sexuality.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play. The family relationships that exist in the play are between Ned and his brother, as well as the community of gay men in New York City. Their bond was so profound because they were undergoing the same atrocities and because they all knew that above all else they wanted love.
The stasis of the play occurs in the decade of the 80s, during the AIDS outbreak and epidemic. The setting of the scene occurs in New York City, and the crux of the play revolves around a group of gay men amidst the outbreak, as they are all affected by the disease. THe main character is Ned Weeks, who along with his boyfriend Felix, are impacted by the disease.
2. What is the intrusion?
I would say that the intrusion of the play is the reveal that Felix is infected with the virus. It further propels Ned as an impetus for his involvement in the movement.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is that this is the day that Ned tells his story to the audience, of his battle with the disease as it has indirectly killed him emotionally through the death of his friends, lover, etc.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will this epidemic be acknowledged by the government?
Is Felix going to live?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Information everyone knows: Bruce is gay and will not come out, societal reasons play a factor as he sees the maltreatment and the blind eye turned to the issues that plague the gay community.
Information that is later revealed: Felix has the virus that is plaguing the community
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I would say that the most dramatic part of the play would be the death of Felix. The fact that he had the virus was unbeknownst to the audience, and the reveal is shocking. Moreover, his presence was to Ned a morale lift and an impetus to keep fighting, his death will not only be emotionally, but mentally and physically deleterious to Ned. Ned and Felix were failed by their government, as well as the healthcare system. His death proved that failure.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Love, Denial, Ethics, Duty, Sexuality
8. What does Ned want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of his getting what he wants?
Ned is experiencing a situation that is very much so me against society. Society is what precludes him from living a normal life, with a partner and friends. The stigma that surrounds Ned due to his sexuality is an unfortunate thread woven in the fabric of this play, and is cause for governmental issues like the governor not acknowledging the epidemic of the virus in community of his constituents.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
An image that in my opinion was predominant throughout the play was the cancer spots. Because it was such a visible indication of sexuality, and garnered such a stigma due to its unsightliness as well as sexual implications, it became a sort of scarlet letter. The title of the play is The Normal Heart. I believe that the title helps us in understanding the play in that it showcases the humanity of the gay protagonists, although their society may not feel that they are due to their sexuality.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The family relationships that exist in the play are between Ned and his brother, as well as the community of gay men in New York City. Their bond was so profound because they were undergoing the same atrocities and because they all knew that above all else they wanted love.